Yiannis Levendis is a Distinguished Professor in the Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering at Northeastern University's College of Engineering, where he has worked for 37 years. He is a Center Member of The Plastics Center and leads research on combustion of solid fuels, pollution containment, nanomaterial synthesis, fire suppression, and engine design. PhD (1987), Environmental Engineering Science, California Institute of Technology M.S. (1982) and B.S. (1981) in Mechanical Engineering, University of Michigan His research focuses on gasification, oxy-combustion of biomass, iron-based carbon-free fuels, and fire suppression technologies using liquid nitrogen. Recent projects include burning iron particles as circular fuels and developing renewable energy sources from agricultural waste. Levendis' publications highlight advancements in combustion physics, emissions reduction, and nanomaterial production from waste plastics. His work spans energy systems, environmental protection, and engineering education. ASEE Robert G. Quinn Award (2025) for experimental excellence National Academy of Inventors Fellow (2020) Combustion Institute Fellow (2018) ASME/AIME Percy Nicholls Award (2015) He has received multiple NSF grants, including a $600,000 award for iron powder combustion research and a $360,065 grant for heliostat education. Levendis also developed an experiential learning framework with hands-on combustion laboratories. His lab facilities span 303 SN and 012F FR spaces, focusing on high-temperature reactor experiments and fire suppression system design.








